A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
